Teaching notes and ideas
Name of resource:
Maths scanning game
Age group(s)
Subject(s)
8 to 11
Maths
Topic
Language Level
Basic maths vocabulary
Intermediate
EAL Nexus
Description of resource
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Scanning sheets with randomly written maths words in different colours
Accompanying maths topics sheets with topic headings and word lists
Blank maths topic grid
Speaking frame
Preparation needed
You will need:
 A scanning sheet for each pair of learners
 An accompanying information sheet for each pair
 A blank topic grid for each pair
 A speaking frame for each pair requiring additional support
You will need to:
 Print out sheets as required
Curriculum objectives
 To develop the ability to locate as quickly as possible, specific words from a
sheet containing randomly written words
 Revision or consolidation of basic maths vocabulary
 To develop, with scaffolding if necessary, the ability to write simple sentences
using these words
Language / literacy objectives
Functions
Structures
 Classifying
__________ is a number / day of the week / position word.
A _________ is a shape
_________ is a word to do with addition / subtraction.
_________ is a word to describe length / mass
Vocabulary
Basic maths vocabulary relating to the topics of:
This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals
© British Council 2014
EAL Nexus
 numbers 1-10
 days of the week
 position: above, below, over, under, front, back, apart, opposite, middle,
between, top , behind, beside, front.
 shape: circle, triangle, square, rectangle, cube, pyramid, sphere, cone.
 addition and subtraction: add, more, plus, make, sum, total, altogether, double,
subtract, half, minus, difference, halve, increase, score.
 length: length, width, height, depth, long, short, tall, high, low, wide, narrow,
deep, shallow.
 mass: weighs, balances, heavy, light, heavier, lighter.
This resource could be used:
 with the whole class as a progression set with learners
 one to one or small group
 as independent learning to support a homework task
Ideas for using the resource
What to do
 Game 1: Check understanding of the words and their meanings. See Introducing
new vocabulary for ideas. Then write down the names of the 7 topics (e.g. days
of the week, length, numbers etc.) on separate pieces of paper, then fold the
paper and put into a small bag/box. Learners work in pairs and take it in turns to
pull out a piece of paper and then has 20 seconds to scan the scanning sheet
with the topic words and call out as many of the words as they can that relate to
the topic they have picked. The other learner marks off the words on the
information sheet as they are called out. They then swap roles. The person who
has called out the most words is the winner.
 Game 2: Learners have a set amount of time, e.g. three minutes, to locate and
look at the words and try and memorise them. The scanning sheet is then taken
away and they can see how many of the words they remember.
 Game 3: Learners work collaboratively to assign the words to particular topic
categories. This should provide an opportunity for exploratory talk. The pairs
decide together which words go with which topic and write them in the blank
maths topic grid provided. The speaking frame provided can be used if required.
Other ideas for making the best use of this resource
 Scanning is a very important reading strategy for all learners to develop. This
resource can easily be adapted for practising scanning in a range of different
curriculum contexts.
Possible extension activities
 For a harder version extend the time and once the learner has called out the topic
word they have to say a sentence containing that word.
This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals
© British Council 2014
EAL Nexus
 Learners could be asked to write down sentences containing the key words.
 Learners could be asked to make their own scanning game to introduce/recap
key words from other curriculum areas for example history. The topics could
historical names, places and events.
This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals
© British Council 2014